Medicare Savings Program is a federal program funded and administered by individual states. The program is designed for beneficiaries with limited resources and helps them with paying some or even all of Original Medicare fees, premiums, deductibles, coinsurances, and copayments. The assumption is that the individual is already enrolled, or planning to apply for Medicare. In the state of Missouri, this program helps with paying costs of Medicare Part B premium, Part A and Part B cost-sharing, and rarely but in some cases for Medicare Part A premium.
Types of Medicare Savings Program
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) – it helps with costs related to Medicare Part A and Part B cost-sharing and Part B premium. In cases where the beneficiary already owes some Part A premiums, this program will cover it. The income limit for qualifying for QMB Medicare Savings Program is $1469/month for singles and $1980/month if you are married.
Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB ) – it pays for Part B premiums only. SLMB I income limit is $1308/month for singles and $1762/month if married.
Qualified Working Disabled Working Individuals (QDWI) – this Savings plan pays the Part A premiums for certain disabled people who have returned to their work. The income limit is $4249/month if single and $5722/month if married.
In each of these 4 types of program, in addition to previously stated, you are also auto-enrolled in Medicare Part D Extra Help. It helps lower the costs of premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurances, and eliminates potential coverage gaps.
Medicare Savings Program Missouri
To be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program in the state of Missouri you must have your Medicare card proving that you have Medicare Part A coverage, you must be a resident of Missouri and you are needed to have a plan to stay in Missouri if you want to get help from this program. In addition, you must meet the income limits stated in the previous section, regarding types of Savings programs.
Medicare Savings Program Application
If you need help with paying Medicare costs and you decide to apply for the Medicare Savings program, you will need to complete the Medicare Savings application. You can do it online on myDSS.mo.gov, you can visit your local Family Support Division Resource Center and pick up a physical application, or you can ask Family Support Division to mail the application to you. Regardless of the way of applying, you will also need to provide information about your monthly income and any resources you have. Monthly income includes money that you and/or your spouse earn through work or other benefits including Social Security benefits, pension, or Veteran benefits. Resources include the value of all the things that you own, like money, property, or investments.
If you qualify for Medicare Savings Program, you will get an Identification card via mail. You are required to have this card with you every time you need medical services to provide evidence that you are enrolled in the Savings program.
Special Rules for Medicare Savings Program
If your application is approved and you are enrolled in Medicare Savings Program, you must complete a review each year. The Family Support Division needs to receive information once a year to ensure that you still qualify for help. The review form will be mailed to you every year. Before continuation of benefits, you are required to complete and return this review form. Also, you must report any changes. Any change of your contact information, change of circumstances, change in income, or members of your household must be reported within 10 days of the current change to the Family Support Division, otherwise, you risk the loss of benefits and potential criminal prosecution.
If your application is not approved and you feel that decision is unfair, you have a right to request a hearing within 90 days of the non-approval decision. You can request a hearing via call, visit, or writing to the Family Support Division office in your state. After a review of the request, you will be notified with further information about your hearing.